Outcome of laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication in patients with disordered preoperative peristalsis

Background-A 360 degrees or Nissen fundoplication remains controversial in patients with disordered peristalsis, some surgeons preferring a partial wrap to minimise postoperative dysphagia. Aim-To evaluate symptoms manometric outcome in patients disordered peristalsis after Nissen fundoplication. Patients-In an initial series of 345 patients studied prospectively, 31 patients who had undergone a Nissen fundoplication had disordered peristalsis. Using preoperative manometry, patients were classified as: equivocal primary peristalsis (eight patients); abnormal primary peristalsis (four patients); abnormal maximal contraction pressure (13 patients); abnormal primary peristalsis and maximal contraction pressure (six patients). Methods-Postoperatively, patients underwent a barium meal, oesophageal manometry and standardised clinical review by a blinded scientific officer. Results-Twenty eight (90%) patients had satisfaction scores of at least 8 out of a maximum of 10 and all would undergo surgery again. Whereas 15 (48%) patients had dysphagia scores greater than 4/10 preoperatively, only two (6%) had these scores at one year. Improved peristalsis was seen in 78% of postoperative manometric studies, and mean preoperative lower oesophageal sphincter pressure increased from 6 . 6 (range 0-21) mm Hg to 19 (4-50) mm Hg. Conclusions-These results are similar to the overall group of 345 patients and suggest that disordered peristalsis, and possibly even absent peristalsis, is not a contraindication to Nissen fundoplication as performed in these patients.